The Delhi Court has recently acquitted a man involved in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case, where a mob allegedly caused vandalism and set fire to a sweet shop resulting in the death of a 22-year-old boy. The court found no substantive evidence against the accused, Mohd. Shahnawaz, who was the only remaining accused after 11 other men were discharged earlier. The court noted that Mohd. Shahnawaz's name was never mentioned in the initial FIR and that the evidence presented was not enough to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, adding to the death sentence he is already serving in another case related to the riots. A Delhi court made the decision based on the brutal and reprehensible nature of the offences committed by Kumar during the riots. This follows a long investigation and trial process, with Kumar's health and potential for rehabilitation being taken into consideration in the sentencing.
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on the Constitution during the Lok Sabha debate on Saturday sparked uproar in the Opposition benches. He accused the Nehru-Gandhi family of using the Constitution to suit their interests and claimed that his government's amendments were not for tightening their grip on power. In response, the AAP announced a special tribute on Monday to commemorate the December 16 gangrape and discuss crimes against women in Delhi in a "Mahila Adalat" format. Meanwhile, a Delhi court is expected to deliver its verdict in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots murder case involving former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has received backlash for fielding MCD Councillor Tahir Hussain, who is currently facing charges in the Delhi riots case, as their candidate for Mustafabad assembly constituency in the upcoming Delhi elections. This decision has sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning AIMIM's stance on the riots. However, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has come out in support of Hussain, citing a recent ruling by the Delhi High Court which quashed an FIR against him. The upcoming Delhi elections are being closely watched as the AAP seeks to secure a third term after its record-breaking victory in 2020.
Aam Aadmi Party leaders accused BJP goons of trying to attack former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during his padyatra in West Delhi's Vikaspuri. The Supreme Court has asked the Delhi High Court to quickly hear the bail plea of Sharjeel Imam, who was booked under UAPA for his involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality showed some improvement with AQI in the 'poor' category, but 10 monitoring stations still reported 'very poor' air quality.
"Founder of 'United Against Hate', Khalid Saifi has approached the Delhi High Court against the invocation of the charge of attempt to murder against him in the case related the communal riots that took place in the city in February 2020. Saifi's lawyer argued that the charge cannot be framed as he was not in possession of any weapon and the alleged gunshot cannot be attributed to him. However, the court has stated that there is evidence of Saifi's presence and provocation at the incident site, making it difficult to entertain his plea."
In response to a viral video depicting the assault and coercion of a young Muslim man during the 2020 communal riots in Delhi, the Delhi High Court has transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. The court expressed concerns over the Delhi Police's handling of the case and the perverse actions of the alleged perpetrators, stating that this type of "mob-vigilantism" is especially troubling when committed by members of law enforcement. The court's decision comes after a petition filed by the victim's mother, citing a lack of confidence in the police investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi berates INDIA bloc, claiming it is damaging India's political climate with its communal, casteist, and nepotistic practices. He urges voters not to support any party allied with the Congress, reminding them that only the BJP is committed to putting the nation first. Modi also criticizes the bloc for their role in the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi and for their corrupt activities, claiming that only the BJP can provide true justice and development.
During the bail arguments for Umar Khalid, advocate Trideep Pais challenged the incessant mention of his name in the chargesheet and the media trial against him. He questioned whether repeating a lie a hundred times can make it a truth and argued that Khalid was being singled out in the case. The advocate also pointed out the bail granted to other accused with graver charges and the lack of evidence against Khalid.